Arts and Entertainment

All the world’s a stage at the annual Charlotte Shakespeare Festival starting on May 30.

William Shakespeare

The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival will put on “Taming of the Shrew” from May 30-June 16 and “Macbeth” Aug. 15-25. The festival will also include pre-show performances and educational workshops. All performances and activities are free, though donations are appreciated. Those who donate in advance can reserve seats.

Executive and artistic director Elise Wilkinson said providing free performances allow a diversity of people to enjoy the theatre.

“The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival is the only place where people from all walks of life can come together to see professional theatre without an admission charge,” she said.

Let the world slide away while watching “Taming of the Shrew,” a comedy about Petruchio, who woos a woman named Katherina and uses psychological means to torment her into submission, set in the Wild West. Meghan Lowther and J.R. Adduci play Katherina and Petruchio.

“Taming of the Shrew” will be performed outdoors at The Green, 400 South Tryon St. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. Shows begin at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Before the “Taming of the Shrew’s” Sunday performances, children ages eight years and older along with adults can participate in free workshops led by director Christian Casper. The workshops start at 5 p.m. and will include interactive games and exercises explaining text of the play. Attendance is capped at 20 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Something wicked comes to the Booth Playhouse in Founder’s Hall, 130 North Tryon St., with “Macbeth.” The tragedy is about the psychological and mental distresses Macbeth and his wife face after committing murder.

“Macbeth” will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, along with 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Workshops will also be featured, with dates and times to be announced in June.

The festival will also bring back its popular pre-show performance series. Forty-five minutes before each show, local musicians, performing artists, storytellers and poets will perform.

Seating for both performances will be given at a first come, first serve basis. To reserve seats, individuals must donate a minimum of $25 in advance via charlotteshakespeare.com. Any performance or event cancellations or suspensions because of inclement weather or otherwise will be posted on the same website, or by calling (704) 625-1288.